Andrew Small Named UK’s First Dedicated Crypto Recovery Expert
On 9 June 2025, the UK Insolvency Service announced the creation of a dedicated Crypto Intelligence Specialist post and the appointment of Andrew Small to fill the role. This marks the first time the agency has embedded full-time expertise in digital-asset tracing and recovery within its permanent staff.
Over the five-year period from the 2019/20 to 2024/25 financial years, the number of insolvency cases in which cryptoassets were identified as recoverable rose from 14 to 59, an increase of 420%. During the same interval, the total value of those assets grew from approximately £1,436 to over £523,580.
In his new capacity, Mr Small will support Official Receivers and appointed insolvency practitioners by:
- Analysing blockchain data to map the flow of digital currencies
- Identifying wallets, private keys and custodial arrangements
- Advising on on- and off-ramps used to convert tokens into fiat currency
- Coordinating with external forensic analysts and, where necessary, law enforcement
The Insolvency Service’s 2024/25 caseload exceeded 30,000 matters. Within that portfolio, cryptoassets now represent a fast-growing component of recoverable value. According to recent surveys, around 12% of UK adults hold one or more forms of cryptocurrency, underscoring the importance of specialist recovery skills.
In announcing the appointment, the Service noted that unrecovered private keys can result in permanent loss of value, making early detection and secure handling critical. A centralised resource library—comprising procedural checklists, case studies and technical manuals—will be established to support ongoing investigations and practitioner training.
The new specialist role sits alongside the Insolvency Service’s core functions of tracing and realising assets for the benefit of creditors. By integrating blockchain analytics into standard workflows, the agency aims to improve recovery rates for estates containing digital assets.